Possible Interaction: Aldosterone and Potassium

“The blood pressure was monitored for 24 h. Results Treatment with potassium increased the plasma aldosterone concentration (P = 0.0006) and the urinary excretion of aldosterone (P = 0.0002) significantly both for blacks and for whites.”

“Angiotensin II (Ang II) and potassium (K+) increase aldosterone ( Aldo ) production in vitro via Ca2+-dependent mechanisms.”

“These drugs are quite different in their physiologic action but they both may be effective in preventing the potassium depletion associated with increased aldosterone production.”

“The data presented add further evidence for the important role of potassium as a mediator in aldosterone regulation.”

“The same minute amount of potassium , administered without volume expansion, increased plasma aldosterone markedly above the high levels induced by AII. –”

“These results indicate that potassium , independent of sodium and angiotensin, can regulate basal aldosterone secretion and sensitize the adrenal response to the aldosterone stimulatory properties of ACTH.”

“It has become more common in cardiovascular practice due to the growing … disease and the broad application of drugs that modulate renal elimination of potassium by reducing production of angiotensin II (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, direct renin … angiotensin II receptors (angiotensin receptor blockers), or antagonizing the action of aldosterone …).”

“ Aldosterone also enhances potassium secretion in the distal colon (17), which can be especially important when renal function is compromised.”

“The low plasma potassium concentration suppresses adrenal aldosterone release so that the kidney can reclaim all but about 1% of the filtered potassium (Figure 2).”

“The total body potassium is regulated by the kidney in which distal nephron secretion of potassium into the urine is enhanced by aldosterone , alkalosis, adaptation to a high potassium diet, and delivery of increased sodium and tubular fluid to the distal tubule.”

“That potassium administration enhances and hypokalemia depresses aldoterone production is well known.”

“ Aldosterone , the most potent naturally occurring mineralocorticoid, plays a major role in regulation of the amounts of both sodium and potassium in the body.”